Driver Charged in Portland Immigration Operation Shooting

Luis Nino-Moncada has been formally charged by the Department of Justice following a shooting incident during an immigration operation in Portland. The charges were announced on January 12, 2026, detailing serious allegations against the defendant.

The primary charge filed against Nino-Moncada is aggravated assault of a federal officer. This charge specifies the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon during the commission of the alleged crime. Furthermore, he is charged with depredation of federal property valued in excess of $1,000. These charges suggest a significant escalation during the federal operation.

The incident occurred within the context of immigration enforcement activities. Federal officers were engaged in operations when the shooting took place. The legal proceedings will now determine the validity of the charges and the appropriate judicial response.

The Department of Justice has levied two specific federal counts against Luis Nino-Moncada. The first and most severe charge is aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon. This charge is typically reserved for violent attacks on government personnel that involve significant risk of harm.

The second charge involves the destruction or damage of government assets. Nino-Moncada is accused of depredation of federal property. The legal definition of depredation involves the act of damaging or destroying property. The charge specifies that the value of the damaged property exceeds $1,000, elevating it to a federal offense of significant magnitude.

Together, these charges paint a picture of a violent confrontation. The allegations suggest that the defendant not only threatened the life of a federal agent but also caused substantial damage to government resources. The combination of these charges carries potentially severe legal penalties if a conviction is secured.

The charges originate from an event that took place during an immigration operation in Portland. While specific details regarding the timeline of the operation remain limited in the charging documents, the involvement of federal officers confirms the nature of the activity. Immigration enforcement is a federal mandate, often carried out by specialized units.

Portland has been the site of various federal law enforcement activities in recent times. The presence of federal agents in the city often draws public attention and scrutiny. The specific operation involving Luis Nino-Moncada resulted in a shooting, indicating a high-stakes encounter between the defendant and federal personnel.

The Department of Justice is responsible for prosecuting crimes against federal officers. By filing these charges, the DOJ has signaled that the incident is being treated as a serious federal crime. The investigation likely involved multiple federal agencies, given the nature of the charges and the involvement of federal property and personnel.

The charges against Luis Nino-Moncada carry heavy consequences under United States federal law. Aggravated assault on a federal officer is a felony that can result in substantial prison time. The specific allegation of using a deadly or dangerous weapon enhances the severity of the potential sentence.

The charge of depredation of federal property is also a federal offense. The requirement that the property value exceeds $1,000 distinguishes this from minor vandalism. It reflects a calculated assessment of the damage caused during the incident.

The legal process will involve pre-trial motions, potential plea negotiations, or a trial by jury. The Department of Justice will bear the burden of proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and the government's interpretation of the events that occurred in Portland.

The charging of Luis Nino-Moncada marks a significant development in the aftermath of the Portland shooting. The Department of Justice has moved swiftly to hold the defendant accountable for the alleged assault on federal officers and destruction of government property. The case underscores the risks faced by federal agents during enforcement operations.

As the judicial process unfolds, the focus will shift to the presentation of evidence in court. The charges of aggravated assault and depredation will be central to the prosecution's case. The outcome will determine the legal consequences for Nino-Moncada and potentially set precedents for future interactions during federal immigration operations.